Real Madrid, Croatia Star Luka Modric Wins 2018 Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was awarded the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first player not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to earn the honor since 2007.

Modric, 33, beat out Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann, respectively, for the illustrious prize. Both Ronaldo and Messi had won it five times apiece over a 10-year run, and all three men were named to France Football's 30-player shortlist in October. Messi's fifth-place finish is his worst since 2006 and it comes despite leading Barcelona to La Liga and Copa del Rey titles.

The midfielder adds the award to his list of others accolades received this year, including UEFA Best Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and the Golden Ball at the World Cup.

Modric helped Real Madrid win its third straight Champions League title earlier this year before taking Croatia to its first World Cup appearance. Croatia's captain scored two goals, had one assist and led the tournament in minutes played and miles ran in Russia.

Ronaldo finished in second place, while Griezmann of Atletico Madrid and France came in third. Messi finished behind 19-year-old French striker Kylian Mbappe, who helped lead his country to a World Cup title in Russia this summer and was also awarded the first Kopa Trophy, given to the world's best player under the age of 21. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who led the Premier League in scoring last season, finished sixth.

Before Modric won this year's award, the last player other than Messi or Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or was Kaka in 2007.

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Nigerian Army Intercepts 37 Wives And Children Of Boko Haram Terrorists

The Nigerian army said on Wednesday, that it had intercepted 37 people 37 people , who were suspected to be wives and children of the boko haram terrorists. The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said in a statement that 30 of the escapees, which comprises of eight women and 22 children, were intercepted on Tuesday at Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe. He said; “On preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed to have escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ custody at Kafa and Abagajiri villages in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno,’’ The army spokesman added that seven other people were intercepted on Tuesday, at Kamunya, Yobe state. “They claimed that they escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout at Goropcha village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno. “Both sets of escapees are currently being screened and profiled,’’ he said.

Nigerian scholars sponsored by Lagos State Gov. arrive Finland for visit. Photo

A group of Nigerian youngsters sponsored by Lagos State Government and their coordinator, Professor Kolawole Raheem, were Thursday, received by head of unit; Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hannu Heinonen, at Finland. The participants, whose trip was funded by Lagos State Ministry of Education, were chosen based on their outstanding performance in school. The visit, however aims at enabling the youngsters have an experience of how the Finnish society works and to offer them the possibility of bringing positive examples back to Nigeria. The participants were especially interested in matters related to environment and construction, as well as the Finnish social security and education systems. These visits that have already become somewhat of a tradition are envisaged to continue in the coming years.

Photos: What Juliet Ibrahim wore to the #AMVCA2017 nominees announcement

Juliet Ibrahim donned this beyond-alluring asymmetric dress by @afifimmacouture to the 5th Annual AMVCA 2017 Nominees announcement. The outfit which accentuated her famous curves was perfectly matched with her braids in an elegant bun style and her face beat to perfection by @shogemakeovers . More photos after the cut... Credit Makeup @shogemakeovers Dress: @afifimmacouture

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